Housing technician Bill Bielefeldt contacted the Department of Health Services after he documented several lead paint violations on homes the city is rehabbing as part of its Neighborhood Stabilization Program. Bielefeldt reported to the state the the city's effort to fix up homes was actually polluting areas around the homes.

In a letter to the city, the state confirmed that violations occurred. The city cleaned up the violations and has promised to keep better track of the contractors working on the city-owned properties.

Bielefeldt remains on unpaid leave for unspecified reasons.

Here's text of the letter, dated Oct. 1:

October 1,2010

Brian 0'Connell

Racine Department of City Development

Neighborhood Stabilization Program

730 Washington Ave

Racine WI 53403

Subject: Lead Hazards and Neighborhood Stabilization Program Projects

Dear Mr. O'Connell:

Thank you for the telephone discussion this morning regarding the lead hazard concerns that

have been raised about specific Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) funded projects in

The city is playing dumb to the state and blaming contractors. Racine City Development dictates which contractors may bid on jobs and has Wisconsin lead trained risk assessors managing the projects. How is it that the lead trained people from City Development did not see that the contractors were violating regulations? The violations were clearly in plain sight.

The City's lead trained managers visit the sites almost every day. This cover up should be investigeted.

Sad days for the people of Racine to have to put up with this lack of management.

Dickert and his Uncle Jim did this type of construction up and down 6th St. Just imagine what type of ground contamination they left behind for all the poor children. And by the way, the homes are falling apart already.

The state DHS should be ashamed. Someone who has supported thier efforts for years is to be sacrificed for people who have no concern for the welfare of the children. Shame on the people of the DHS for turning thier backs on the children for the sake of politics. Bring on the mothers of poisoned children in support of your efforts that you use so well and explain this to them, and pretend that you really care while you turn a blind eye to what is really happening in Racine. Mr. Warzecha should get his facts straight before being so forgiving. Let your conscience be your guide.What does your heart really stand for.

Does anyone know what happens to a suspended city employee? Will there be a hearing or something on him? Does he stay in the Twilight Zone forever? Or do we just wait for the lawsuit and then pay out $100K because Dickert, O'Connell and Friedel are liars?

Randy - Investigating can take some time. I'm not saying this guy is right or wrong. I'm just not going to get on the band wagon - like you. I suggest you wait until all the facts are out. If the city was negligent, then someone has to own up to it. But for the city to react spontaneously to this guys allegations would be assinine.